RIGHT or WRONG? The ethics of blogging

Posted: 11/17/06

RIGHT or WRONG?
The ethics of blogging

Blogging, particularly by Baptist pastors, has been in the news this year. It seems as if some of the bloggers are ignoring important ethical standards that should be applied to this technology. What would you suggest?

The web-log, or blog as it has become known, has risen in popularity over the past few years as more and more Internet-savvy individuals use this service as a medium of communication and expression. Sometimes bloggers use their sites as an online diary, sharing the various events of their lives with their readers. An increasing number of bloggers, however, are using their space on the Internet to disseminate their opinions on various topics, including politics and religion.

More and more ministers are acquainted with this phenomenon. Many ministers are using blogs for ministerial purposes. Devotional blogs or cyber newsletter columns are among the more common uses of this technology among ministers. Many church websites have a page devoted to their pastor’s use, including sermon teasers for next Sunday’s message or other writing projects. When used in this manner, blogs can be an effective way for ministers to enhance their communication with church members and others.

However, clergy and nonclergy alike are beginning to use the Internet blog system as a means to spread their theological and political ideologies. These blogs often perpetuate false claims and intolerant beliefs that bring about more division than education. Over the past six months, I have read blog posts, mostly written by ministers, that: (1) maintain that all Muslims are hateful, dangerous people, (2) condemn people of faith who are not aligned with a particular political agenda, (3) justify the lack of ministry to the underprivileged and (4) share potentially sensitive information concerning inter-church conflicts.

Yes, clearly important ethical considerations are being ignored by some bloggers. While there is no official code of conduct for blogs, talk of “the ethics of blogging” is not new. In an April 2003 Washington Post article titled “The Great Blogging Ethics Debate,” Cynthia Webb quotes Professor Larry Pryor of the University of Southern California saying, “Like it or not, (bloggers) have to follow ethics.”

In a certain sense, bloggers are on the cutting edge of journalism and should adhere to basic journalistic standards. Among the more basic ethical considerations bloggers should keep in mind are: (1) check sources and facts; (2) be collegial—don’t fly off the handle; (3) present differing perspectives or at least allow feedback comments on posts and engage in dialogue with those who hold various opinions; and (4) never, ever, plagiarize someone else’s material.

Blog readers should read blogs, as well as other material from the Internet, with a critical eye. When reading a blog or website, ask yourself: (1) Is this person giving me the complete story? or (2) Could there be another perspective on this topic? Most blogs allow reader comments; take advantage of this by asking questions and raising alternative views. We can do very little to control the speech and opinions of others; we can, however, offer a different perspective.

Remember, anyone with Internet access can open a website or blog, and just because someone said it on their website does not mean it is entirely true.

J.C. Baker, post-graduate student

Brite Divinity School

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth

Right or Wrong? is sponsored by the T.B. Maston Chair of Christian Ethics at Hardin-Simmons University’s Logsdon School of Theology. Send your questions about how to apply your faith to btillman@hsutx.edu.